By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has attributed the recent violent clash at Zuarungu Senior High School to indiscipline and the absence of corporal punishment in schools.
He believes Ghana’s educational policies need reform, citing a decline in student discipline due to restrictions on teachers’ ability to enforce it.
Speaking on the incident, the minister clarified that the clash was not driven by ethnic tensions between the Frafra and Kusasi tribes but stemmed from a dispute over a stolen mobile phone.
Mr Atanga made these comments after engaging with school authorities and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC). According to him, the unrest began when a student from Nakpanduri allegedly stole a phone from a Kusasi student. The situation escalated when the victim, accompanied by two friends, attempted to retrieve the phone, leading to a brawl that spread across the school. Some male students reportedly issued threats to female students, prompting many of them to flee out of fear.
The minister subsequently ordered the immediate closure of the school to prevent further violence and possible reprisals. Four students have been arrested in connection with the incident, although one suspect escaped while being transported to the police station.
Mr Atanga warned that all students found culpable would face strict disciplinary action, stressing that both the student who stole the phone and the one who brought it to campus would be sanctioned. He also cautioned parents against giving mobile phones to their children, stating that such actions often contribute to disciplinary issues.
